PGA Green Best Practices: Transportation Department

Transportation is one of the most significant departments for targeting reductions. Research energy conservation opportunities and locate more efficient vehicles. Consider setting an example by reducing your emissions and looking into local sources for biodiesel. Maybe even add a Smart Car to the fleet, just to make sure the message is clear.

According to the American Lung Association, biodiesel emissions contain 90% fewer carcinogens and respiratory irritants than petro-diesel.

BIODIESEL

• If renting, be sure to notify vendors in advance of your choice to use bio-fuels.
• Blends range from B5 (5% biodiesel, 95% standard diesel) to B99.
• Look for biodiesel manufactured from domestic soy that has a BQ9000 accreditation from the National Biodiesel Accreditation Program.
• If the production is new to bio-fuels, use them in generators to start, moving on to other machines when ready.
• Because biodiesel flushes the engine’s internal systems, change filters frequently for the first few months after switching.
• DO NOT USE biodiesel in temperatures below 40°F/5°.

REDUCE PETROLEUM USE

• No idling.
• Use hybrids and vehicles that run on alternative fuel (CNG, biodiesel, electric, hydrogen, ethanol).
• Have the transportation department/captain keep track of the fuel inventory and monitor their use in specified vehicles.
• Offer incentives for using public transit and carpooling.
• Combine deliveries and errands into as few vehicle trips as possible.
• Maintain vehicles in optimum operating condition.
• Use electric or solar-powered golf carts.
• Offer bicycles for cast and crew to use on site.
• Idling for an hour wastes one gallon of gas. It’s bad for your health and is illegal in many states, so don’t do it!
• Consider rewarding crew members who use public transportation.
• Only fly commercial flights if possible, instead of charter flights or private planes.
• Hold teleconferences instead of flying for in-person meetings.
• Recycle motor oil and antifreeze. Recycling just two gallons of used oil can generate enough energy to power the average household for 24 hours. Visit earth911.org for local facilities.

GENERATORS

• Whenever possible, tie into the local power grid instead of using a generator.
• Look for base-camp generators that run on solar energy–in the future, they will be more widely available.
• If possible, switch to biodiesel for diesel generators, but notify the equipment vendor first.
• Have the transportation department/captain order a bio-diesel blend of B20 or higher.
• Always use oil drip trays and groundsheets, and notify the locations manager immediately in the event of a spill.
• Reduce emissions with catalyzed particulate filters.
• Whenever possible, power down any generator that is not in use.
• A 36-panel solar system will generate 72,000 watts of electricity—enough to replace a 1,400 to 1,800 Amp diesel generator and prevent 1 ton of CO2 emissions each day.

TRAILERS

• Use fluorescent, CFL or LED lights.
• Turn off generators for unoccupied trailers.
• Use environmentally friendly cleaners for trailer maintenance.
• Consider solar powered trailers, if available.
• Consider working with producers to encourage use of multi-room trailers versus single trailers.
• Use only biodegradable and plant-based personal care products in showers and sinks.
• Consider using air-blow hand dryers instead of paper towels.

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